City focusing on roads this summer

By Matt Echelberry mechelberry@civitasmedia.com

May 7, 2014

Over the past month, the Galion area has already seen some road projects underway. This week, the Ohio Department of Transportation began preparing Portland Way South for the widening project (construction officially begins on Monday, May 12).

Mayor Tom O’Leary reported on May 5 that the site was surveyed over the weekend and the equipment for the project has been mobilized. Orange construction barrels can now be seen along the road way.

ODOT and city officials will host a public meeting on May 13 at 5:30 p.m. Citizens are invited to attend to hear details on the project and ask questions.

Staying on the topic of road work, O’Leary said the section of Portland Way South from Grove Avenue to the corporation limits, which is not included in the widening project, needs immediate attention as well.

He will approach city council about how to proceed with a reconstruction project. It will need to be locally funded because city has used up its 80-20 cost share with ODOT for the widening project. He estimates the cost will be around $1 million.

Portland Way North, from Carter Drive to the northern corporation limit, is also showing signs of fatigue. While it is not in as bad of condition as Portland Way South, he said it will need to be addressed in the near future.

A contract for the Hesby Drive project was awarded to Underground Utilities, based in Monroeville. The company had the lowest and best estimate at $988,211.

About $200,000 will remain in this year’s budget for additional paving work (not including any Revolving Loan funds or grants). “We’re beginning to identify the worst streets and come up with a list,” O’Leary explained, adding that input from council will be needed.

The principle maintenance work for the Street Department this summer will be repairs to the city’s alley ways. They will stockpile asphalt grindings from the various road projects and use the material for the alleys.